Best BBQ joint in KC area?

[BossChief]

We are driving down to KC and I usually go to Gates, but want to try something different this time around.

I'm looking to go to the absolute best BBQ joint in the KC area for dinner tonight and figured you guys would know best. Maybe a few of you want to come out and eat with us.

What say you, CP?


(The search function is off or I'd use it.)

[splatbass]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The original Smoke Stack in Martin City was amazing but I don't if it's even still around.

I ate there 30 years ago and it was awesome. Anyone know if it still exists?

Nevermind, I looked it up. it is there as Jack Stack.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I've always thought the Smokehouse on North Oak was extremely underrated. I really like Gates too, but feel that OK Joe's is more yuppie hype than substance.

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I've always thought the Smokehouse on North Oak was extremely underrated. I really like Gates too, but feel that OK Joe's is more yuppie hype than substance.

Anthony Bourdain disagrees with you about Joe's KC. It's on his list of 13 places to eat before you die. It's the furthest thing from yuppie.

[Demonpenz]

Q39 was off the chain.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I've always thought the Smokehouse on North Oak was extremely underrated. I really like Gates too, but feel that OK Joe's is more yuppie hype than substance.

Ordering BBQ at a gas station doesn't really strike me as yuppie... granted, there's the OP restaurant, but I don't think that's where the hype originated.


I appreciate OK Joe's for the meat, as they let it stand on its own without drenching everything in sauce... as opposed to Gates, which has better sauce anyway, IMO.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Stewie

Anthony Bourdain disagrees with you about Joe's KC. It's on his list of 13 places to eat before you die. It's the furthest thing from yuppie.

Well, I'm glad that Anthony Bourdain thinks so highly of a second tier KC BBQ place that it's one of his 13 places to eat. That's also not a legitimate argument. And when talking about Joe's I'm not talking about the ambiance of the gas station, but the extent to which it has been hyped as the greatest thing ever, especially by people 25-45, despite not doing much to separate itself. It's not bad by any means, but aside from their pulled pork, they really don't do much all that well.

[Raiderhater]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I don't understand all the love for Jack Stack. I've eaten at multiple locations and the meat was always overcooked and dry. The original Smoke Stack in Martin City was amazing but I don't if it's even still around.

Personally, I've never had a bad meal at Zarda's and always eat there when in town. I used to love Hayward's and Rosedale but I have no idea if they're good anymore. Gates was always hit and miss and I never liked Bryant's, especially their sauce because it had too much brown sugar for my taste.

I'll have to hit up Q39 next time I'm in town, which may be this summer. Oh, and Joe's KC, too. I've never had it.

I have never had overcooked and dry meat at Jack Stack. You must just be showing up at really odd times.

Zarda's is OK, but nothing special. Can't day as though I've ever had a bad meal there but can't say as though I've had a great meal there either.


It really depends on what you are wanting. For example if you want ribs go with Arthur Bryant's (original location and use the bold and spicy sauce not the regular), Jack Stack or OK Joe's. Jack Stack dies everything will to excellent. Most other places have one or two items they do really well.

[Raiderhater]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Well, I'm glad that Anthony Bourdain thinks so highly of a second tier KC BBQ place that it's one of his 13 places to eat. That's also not a legitimate argument. And when talking about Joe's I'm not talking about the ambiance of the gas station, but the extent to which it has been hyped as the greatest thing ever, especially by people 25-45, despite not doing much to separate itself. It's not bad by any means, but aside from their pulled pork, they really don't do much all that well.

Their ribs are well above average.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Raiderhader

I have never had overcooked and dry meat at Jack Stack. You must just be showing up at really odd times.

Zarda's is OK, but nothing special. Can't day as though I've ever had a bad meal there but can't say as though I've had a great meal there either.


It really depends on what you are wanting. For example if you want ribs go with Arthur Bryant's (original location and use the bold and spicy sauce not the regular), Jack Stack or OK Joe's. Jack Stack dies everything will to excellent. Most other places have one or two items they do really well.

My sister's Rehearsal Dinner was at Jack Stack on 95th and Metcalf. I was really disappointed in the food. On our next visit, we went to the downtown location, which was a little better but the cigarette smoke pretty much ruined the meal.

My parents like it so we've had it as dine in and carry out at the Metcalf location several times over the years. I've never had, what I'd call anyway, a good meal, nor have I been impressed. The sides have always been decent but the meat unimpressive.

I guess everyone has different tastes.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by splatbass

I ate there 30 years ago and it was awesome. Anyone know if it still exists?

Nevermind, I looked it up. it is there as Jack Stack.

That's too bad. Last went there in the 90's and it was really great. If I recall right other than the meat I really loved the bbq beans they had that spent some time in the smoker.

[Raiderhater]

And I don't know if it is too late or not, but I might be down for meeting up for dinner.

[KCUnited]

Smokestack, re-opened as The Stack with new owners, on Wornall is the definition of middle of the road bbq. The Polk-A-Dot Lounge next door is very legit, however.

[stevieray]

Woodyard on Merriam Lane

[Simply Red]

as childish as it sounds - I absolutely love gates ham on white bread.

[Raiderhater]

Originally Posted by stevieray

Woodyard on Merriam Lane

I've only been their twice. One time I had the ribs and, if the ribs are that damned good on a regular basis than they need to be mentioned as one of the premiere rib joints in town. I hesitate to mention them in that catagory just because it was only one time. But man if that is consistent......